Marvel Studios has raised the bar yet again with the return of The Star Spangled Man with a Plan. “The Winter Soldier” is the sequel to 2011’s highly entertaining “The First Avenger”, where we were introduced to a scrawny Steve Rogers (Evans), who was asked to serve his country during World War II in a unique way - by becoming a beefed-up symbol for the people, and eventually a crime-fighting war hero.

Now Nick and Natasha join forces with Rogers once again, this time in an effort to combat the reemergence of the evil forces of HYDRA, whose secret weapon is the infamous “Winter Soldier”, a trained killer with a metal arm. His identity is hidden by a mask, though, in one of the movie’s many revelations, we do get to learn who he actually is.

But the trio of Avengers are not alone. Anthony Mackie (“The Hurt Locker”) fits-in seamlessly as a modern-day war veteran who joins the good guys as The Falcon. He’s involved in several aerial sequences that are impressively staged and shot. Also new to the series is Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), who represents S.H.I.E.L.D. in the World Council.

Any more details would give away too much of the complex and sophisticated plot, which includes more twists than any Marvel Studios installment to date. Safe to say, this is not your typical “superhero” movie, but an action-packed political thriller, with a serious tone that elevates it to a level way above most of the efforts in this series.

And yet, “The Winter Soldier” is also a whole lot of fun. The action scenes are long but rewarding and there are bits of humor and numerous Marvel references sprinkled-in. Evans and Johansson have an authentic chemistry, and Redford, at 77, still is a commanding screen presence. While there are some pacing issues, the use of the score, montages, and unexpected flashbacks allow us to care about these characters like never before.

LCJ Rating: A-

Also In Theaters:

“Noah” (PG-13) An impressive Creation. B

“Divergent” (PG-13) “H. Games” rip-off lacks meat. D+

“Muppets Most Wanted” (PG) Entertainment icons in top form. B+

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” (R) Too quirky and surprisingly dull. C-

“Mr. Peabody & Sherman” (PG) Not pick of the litter. C

For all of LCJ’s reviews go to lights-camera-jackson.com and follow him on Twitter @LCJReviews.